Cybersecurity for small businesses in Richmond, BC: what actually stops attacks

Why criminals go after small businesses

Many owners assume they're too small to be noticed. Unfortunately, attackers know that smaller companies often run without multi-factor authentication, without anyone watching security alerts, and with backups nobody has tested. Most attacks are automated, so a 10-person accounting office in Richmond is as likely to receive a phishing email as a large company.

Even a minor breach can cost thousands in downtime, recovery work, lost customer trust and legal advice, and businesses covered by privacy law may have to report it.

The attacks we see most often

• Phishing emails that trick staff into entering their Microsoft 365 or Google password on a fake login page.
• Business email compromise: a criminal uses a stolen mailbox to send invoices with changed bank details. Read how to prevent payment fraud.
• Ransomware that encrypts your files and servers, then demands payment.
• Data breaches exposing customer, employee or financial information.
• Malware from fake software downloads, browser extensions and infected attachments.

8 controls that stop most attacks

These line up with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security's baseline controls for small and medium organizations.

1. Multi-factor authentication on email, remote access and every admin account.
2. Automatic patching of Windows, macOS, browsers and business software.
3. Managed endpoint protection (EDR) on every computer, with someone reviewing the alerts.
4. Email filtering and authentication: spam and phishing filters, plus SPF, DKIM and DMARC records.
5. Backups that ransomware can't reach: offsite and immutable or offline, and tested regularly.
6. Separate admin accounts, so everyday logins can't install software or change security settings.
7. Staff awareness training: short and regular, focused on phishing and payment requests.
8. A one-page incident plan: who to call, what to disconnect, and how to keep working.

Local, on-demand protection

At Star X, we provide both on-demand IT services and managed cybersecurity. Our local team handles:

• Real-time threat monitoring
• Firewall and antivirus/EDR setup
• Secure data backups and disaster recovery
• Employee cybersecurity training
• Email filtering and phishing protection
• Cloud security for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace

Unlike remote-only providers, our technicians are based in Richmond and nearby, so you get fast response and in-person help when you need it. You're not waiting on hold with a call centre on the other side of the world.

Where to start

If you're not sure where your business stands, ask for a free security health check. We'll review your MFA coverage, admin accounts, endpoint protection, email settings, patching and backups, and give you a short list of the fixes that matter most. See our cybersecurity services or call (778) 312-2227.